The Joseph O'Brien-trained Monarch battled gamely to land a nice pot in the featured Fast Shipping Bellewstown Handicap Hurdle on the Hill Of Crockafotha tonight.

The 3/1 joint favourite was settled mid-division early in the €30,000 contest before taking closer order jumping the third last.

Mark Walsh produced his mount to challenge two from home and he overhauled Stormey on the run-in to gain a half-length success in the colours of JP McManus.

“He jumped well and in fairness to him he battled well as he looked in trouble going to the last,” said racing manager Frank Berry.

“He loved the ground and that's a big help to him.

“We'll try and find another one like that, maybe Killarney or somewhere. That was a nice race to win with him.”